Just a quick post to say thank you for all your encouraging words as I move forward with Project Bright Idea! I’ve been overwhelmed by all of your support! In the mean time, I’ve been making my list of to-dos (and neglecting my poor blog) and should have keys in hand next week!
Beyond my excitement about this new chapter for ILP, I’ve been loving this warmer weather! Spring has finally arrived in Iowa and my flowers are really starting to blossom. I think the “mini mingo” has helped.
I have this mildly odd obsession with stopping to admire or comment on typography when I’m out and about. My boyfriend certainly knows about it, as do most of my friends and family. I snapped a couple of photos recently without realizing how similar the typography was between them.
I was grocery shopping and found this awesome label in the canned goods section. Trying to nonchalantly take a photo of a can of beans in the grocery store is not an easy task. The woman down the aisle definitely gave me some odd looks. “Trust me lady, I just like the serifs on this bean label” might sound a bit crazy to the average individual — but seriously — look at the serifs there! Almost like they’re extended, loopy, ball terminals. And I love how the angles are replicated, even with the crossbar in the “A.”
I also snapped this little gem at my parents house a few weeks back. I stole borrowed this jean jacket that was my dad’s (hi dad!) in the 70′s and the label caught my eye. Again, the triangles/arrows/angles are on the sides of the type (anyone know what those are called??) and the rounded serifs are the icing on the cake. Plus, that little “Blue Bell” logo is pretty fun.
Anyway, that’s a peek into my typography-loving world. And, as an extra bonus, I’ve complied a few typefaces with a modern take on the Western Style. Check them out: Cirque, Reina, Haymaker
I promised big news this week, so, drumroll please…………….
Iron Leaf Press is the winner of the Project Bright Idea Business Plan Competition! As the winner, I’ll have a building in neighboring, downtown Lisbon, Iowa as the new home for Iron Leaf Press for up to two years (rent-free!).
I applied back in March and am so excited for this amazing opportunity! The building was originally a home, built in 1881, but has since been renovated into a commercial space. This means I’ll have a place for my new (heavy) press, as well as space for retail, consultation, and workshops.
I’ll start moving in soon and hope to have a grand celebration in mid-June. I’m looking forward to seeing you all there!
UPDATE: The Cedar Rapids Gazette picked up on this little story. Read it here.
UPDATE #2: KCRG also posted a video about Project Bright Idea!
And all the sudden, it’s May! This spring has been flying by, but the weather hasn’t really been too cooperative in Iowa. Earlier this week we hit highs in the 70′s and 80′s, only to end the week in 35 degree temperatures and lots of rain/snow across the state.
With the almost summer-y weather earlier this week, I decided to take a break from printing and do a bit of gardening. I’ve always enjoyed since a kid — mom would always let my brother and I help with the annual spring planting and I think that’s probably why I like it so much.
I had purchased the cutest little tree from Bark and Bloom before the winter holidays (in part to say I had a real Christmas tree to compliment my aluminum one). He was in need of a bigger home when by the time spring came around and I stumbled upon this bronze vase/planter. I’ve been loving all the metallics in fashion, home decor, and paper goods this year, and thought this would be the perfect new home. Little Mr. Tree has been replanted and is hanging out with his new friend, Mr. Cactus. I’ve been known to have a bit of a black thumb, but Mr. Cactus has been sticking it out with me since 2005. The brass on the vintage planter also pairs nicely with the shine of his new neighbor.
Let’s hope this weather straightens out and I can get the rest of my goodies planted!
The bronze planter was purchased at Menards, but I can’t seem to locate it online. Here are some similar metallic planters/vases from Etsy: copper planter from Sea and Asters, vintage copper vase from Amy’s Vintage Decorium, and copper and white vase from The Object Ethusiast.
|
|
|
|
